The Story Behind Nai Tong Thai Kitchen: A Journey of Resilience and Flavor
Discover the story behind Nai Tong Thai Kitchen, a Thai restaurant built on friendship, resilience, and bold flavors. Owner Oscar shares his journey from corporate life to running a restaurant, plus must-try dishes like Thai Pepper N' Basil Stir-Fry and Crispy Pork Belly. Visit Nai Tong Thai Kitchen in Costa Mesa for authentic Thai cuisine today!
At first glance, Nai Tong Thai Kitchen might seem like just another great spot for Thai food. But behind the flavorful dishes and inviting atmosphere is a story of perseverance, friendship, and a leap of faith into the world of restaurant ownership.
For Oscar, opening Nai Tong Thai Kitchen wasn’t part of a long-held dream—it was an opportunity that found him at a crossroads in life. After losing his father and grandmother, he was searching for direction when two friends from Thailand invited him to help launch a restaurant. Without prior experience in the business, he took a chance, driven by the hope of building something meaningful alongside people he trusted.
“I was just trying to find myself,” Oscar recalls. “I had never owned a business before, but I saw this as a way to grow, to challenge myself, and to do something with people who truly believed in me.”
Now, Nai Tong Thai Kitchen is a testament to that journey—one built on passion, hard work, and a deep appreciation for the food and culture of Thailand.
From Insurance Audits to Thai Cuisine
Before stepping into the restaurant world, Oscar’s career looked entirely different. He worked as an insurance auditor, a remote job that paid well but left him feeling unfulfilled. When his father and grandmother passed away, he decided to return to Northern California to be closer to family.
It was there that he reconnected with his now-business partners, all of whom worked together at Boathouse Asian Eatery in a Northern California casino. When they approached him with the idea of opening a Thai restaurant together, he saw it as a chance to start fresh.
“They saw potential in me,” he says. “Instead of bringing in outside investors or partners, they wanted to work with people they trusted. And that’s how Nai Tong Thai Kitchen came to be.”
Building a Dream—One Dish at a Time
Despite operating under a franchise, Oscar and his team run Nai Tong Thai Kitchen almost entirely on their own. The franchise provides the name and some core recipes, but everything else—from menu development to daily operations—is handled in-house.
“The most we get is the recipes,” Oscar explains. “But we had to build our own menu, incorporating similar dishes to keep prior customers coming back.”
Opening a restaurant is never easy, and Nai Tong Thai Kitchen has faced its fair share of challenges. Oscar and his business partner, Eric, often juggle second jobs to support themselves, as the restaurant is still in its early stages. Rent and utility costs are high, and like many small businesses, they’re working tirelessly to break even.
But through it all, their love for the food and their customers keeps them going.
“We’re just four great people who want to make really good food,” Oscar says. “That’s what matters most.”
Must-Try Dishes at Nai Tong Thai Kitchen
Nai Tong Thai Kitchen stays true to traditional Thai flavors, offering a comforting yet bold menu. One of Oscar’s personal favorites is the Thai Pepper N' Basil stir-fry.
“It’s my go-to,” he says. “We sauté meat with onion, bell pepper, and basil. It’s simple but packed with flavor.”
For those looking for a recommendation, Oscar suggests the Chinese Broccoli with Crispy Pork for the perfect combination of crunch and umami.
With a menu full of Thai staples like Pad Thai, Crab Fried Rice, and aromatic curries, there’s something for every type of eater—whether you’re a Thai food enthusiast or trying it for the first time.
Navigating the Challenges of Restaurant Ownership
Running a restaurant has given Oscar a deep appreciation for small business owners and the struggles they face—especially in today’s economic climate, where ingredient costs have surged.
“A case of eggs used to be so much cheaper,” he says. “Now, it’s over $100. People don’t always realize how much costs have gone up. We do our best to keep our prices reasonable while making sure we can stay afloat.”
Despite occasional customer complaints about pricing, Oscar stands by the restaurant’s commitment to quality and fairness.
“I used to take it personally,” he admits. “But I’ve realized you can’t make everyone happy. If I can make 80% of people happy, I’m doing my job.”
Through it all, he remains focused on the long-term vision and the community he’s building—one satisfied customer at a time.
Looking Ahead: Big Dreams for the Future
Oscar’s ambitions don’t stop at Nai Tong Thai Kitchen. In addition to growing the restaurant’s presence, he dreams of one day launching an Asian fusion concept that blends Thai, Vietnamese, and even Mexican flavors.
“I think a Vietnamese birria taco would be amazing,” he says. “Braised beef in pho broth, pulled apart, and served on a taco—like a Vietnamese twist on birria. There’s so much potential in blending these cuisines.”
For now, his focus remains on strengthening Nai Tong Thai Kitchen, refining its menu, and expanding its reach through social media and word of mouth. He hopes to make Thai cuisine more accessible and share the flavors he loves with as many people as possible.
“If you fail, at least you tried,” Oscar says. “I’d rather fail than never try at all. As long as you learn from your failures, one day you’ll succeed.”